I’m planning to do a major remodel of a house built in 1910. Should I hire an architect to plan the remodel, or can most builders do this themselves?
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That is a good question. If you are somewhat familiar with construction and interior finishes or know and trust the builder that you have selected the two of you should be able to plan the remodel together, with you giving input on what you are looking for and your builder designing it and helping you with your choices of layouts and finishes. A good builder will have the know-how to do this.
If your planned remodel includes moving walls and adding dormers or rooms etc, and you would like to have a set of plans to shop around for pricing I suggest hiring an Architect/ design professional to draw it up for you. My experience is that an Architect could bring fresh design ideas that would otherwise have been overlooked. Local building code may also require an Architect’s seal on the plans.
Jobs typically run a lot smoother when an architect is involved. A contractor that works with an Architect is going to make things easier on all of the subs.
MOST ,Builders Know how to make things happen, after all they have to see the finished product in there mind to accomplish the end result. Out side help can be helpfull when the client is unsure what they really want. If you need to see a drawing of the finished concept then by all means hire out other help,to get the visual on what you want to achieve.
If permits are required then a plan may need to be submitted any way to the city planning committy for approval,in which case you will need some form of document,showing your intentions.
It also helps with limiting any mis understandings, My feeling are it really depends on how much money your talking about spending, 5k or less not a big issue, 50K or more , YOU ,May want every thing in writing.
Ask the builder if he has an example for you to have a look at,perhaps one of his previous jobs, We do this allot in my field, This way , you the client can see for yourself the quality and finish they [the contractor ]provides.
James Hood
Cadillac Tile LLC
I really prefer it when clients are serious and realistic about their projects. No , it does not cost more to have an architect because a detailed plan is provided! This alone is more efficient and organized-----therefore affecting the bottom line. I have a design background, but am smart enough to be involved with proffessionals whenever possible.
depends upon ‘Scope of Work’ and cost.
Best to hire an Architect if the client have no understanding of the rehab process, due to age & history of the home, could be historical zoned, once the architect is done with the plans and specs, bid to remodeling / historical preservation contractors only, they understand and have the experiance to build the project. If owner has vision and concept of the remodeling process, they can hire design build contractor if no historical zoning. last if client has no time on hand or time to spend in the process, best to hire Architect who can do design / drawings & supervise the construction.
As usual, the answer is… it depends. Is your house historical? Are you looking for a restoration of a specific architectural style? How much hand holding do you need. What do you expect the Architect to bring to the table? The builder is the one with hammer in hand. Over all sheparding?- A good builder doesn’t need that. A poor one may. Design: Some architects are very creative and bring many good ideas. Some have no imagination at all. Many designers without the liscense can create great designs. Some just make a mess. Structural? Many send their work out to engineers anyway?
What are you looking for? It’s a generalization, but most builder types are not that creative. They are “get it done and on to the next job types” There are always exceptions. An architect can function as an intermediary with the contractor, keeping a contractor in line. I’ve had them help in keeping clients on track. Are you one of these? Is your contractor? Do you need this? First remodel?
If you feel you really need the discribed service, by all means go hire one. Some bring great value in their services. Often though, the project may not need one. They add significantly to the overall cost of the project… Often the Architect makes more than the builder, who has to guarantee a project is built on time and on budget. If not, the builder will have the privelige of paying to go to work. The Architect guarantees the building does not fall down, that’s about it.
Bottom line is that it depends upon the talents, temprement and qualifications of your builder.
Definitely hire an Architect. Although it will cost money to hire an Architect, the project will turn out better than it otherwise would have and usually the fee is saved in the difference between a low and high bid. To expound upon that; if you leave it up to the subcontractor to guess about certain items, they will most certainly increase their bid to cover the unknown. An Architect should be producing drawings that alleviate doubt pertaining to the final product and thus the sub will feel confident producing a tight bid. Tight bids mean less surprises!
yes its a good idea.
Usually is helpful when you hire architect,but sometime you need just designer or even decorator.First you must know what you wont and how much money you can spend.
You should definitely hire an Architect. Without an accurate plan for your remodel you you won’t be able to fully forecast the total cost associated with the project. The service an Architect will provide you will save money in the long run by minimizing (or hopefully eliminating) any change orders down the road. Also, it is much less expensive to move a door, window, etc. in plan than to move it once construction is already underway.
The industry standard for an Architectural fee amount averages around 15% of the construction value here in California. Avoid using service providers who offer abnormally low rates as you are likely to not receive adequate results. Remember, just like everything else, you get what you pay for.
Mostly general contractor with experience and good reputation is enough.
Dealing with a design build company is an ideal solution you get the best of both worlds I have been actively working the past 2 decades and this is a perfect marriage of contractor/ designer and homeowner.
Here I would say even if you hire a draftsman make sure you have an engineer involved in your plans for a quality well built build.
I find that an Architect is valuable in certain situations, such as a design build project, a commercial project requiring specialized equipment and finishes. 90% of the time I use a Structural Engineer, who an Architect will use for all of his structural drawings anyway. If you know what you want, then why spend the money on an Architect. I find that Structural Engineers are half the price, and more effective from a permitting standpoint.
Usually a good remodeler/builder will know how to determine what is needed in regards to load bearing walls. Architects are knowledgable however they are not necessarily required to remodel a kitchen/bathroom. If it’s historical then check with your local building official to determine the do’s and don’ts if it involves exterior.